Kaufman Astoria Studios gets a new 99 year lease

Image source: MrShah2012 on Wikimedia Commons

The Queens Gazette reports that last week that a new 99 year lease has been approved by the National Park Service for Kaufman Astoria Studios, which has been “making entertainment history” for 90 years (it was originally opened by Adolph Zukor in 1920). This lease will expire in 2099. Originally, the studios had only a 49-year lease, which would expire in 2049.

This lease extension was made possible under the Historic Surplus Property Program.This program, according to the NPS, has to do with “federally-owned historic buildings that are no longer needed by the Federal government” which are “declared surplus by the General Services Administration.” Kaufman Astoria Studios was designated a National Historic District in 1978.

One of the positive aspects of the lease extension – apart from there being an established studio that can continue to make movies for the masses for many years – is that this kind of stability gives the studio the security it needs to grow and create more jobs. Senator Chuck Schumer praised the decision, adding:

“This lease term extension will give Kaufman Astoria Studios the security and predictability it needs to grow, create more jobs and expand its business in Queens. This studio is full of history and with New York City’s growing film industry, I am pleased that the National Park Service has said ‘lights, camera, action’ for this new extended lease. I am certain that Kaufman Astoria Studios will continue to make great films and add to New York City’s economy until the year 2099.”

The Studios also received some stability in 2010 when after reviewing their proposal, Community Board 1 voted in favor to de-map 36th Street from 34th Avenue to 35th Avenue, which is adjacent to the Studios. In 2011, the Queens Borough board approved the proposal. In 2012, officials from the National Park Service approved the Studio’s plans to construct the city’s first outdoor studio lot, which will include gating 36th Street between 34th and 35th Avenues. The studio leases this space from the city.

99-Year Lease For Kaufman [Queens Gazette]
Astoria studio’s movie set plan to de-map 36th St. gets OK [NYDN]
Borough Board Approves Kaufman Studios ‘Block-Buster’ Plan [Queens Gazette]
Funding Approved For Kaufman Astoria Studios Lot [Queens Gazette]